The French Air Force (Armée de l'Air Française) "[aʀme də lɛʀ], literally "Air Army") is the "Air Force Arm of the "French Armed Forces. It was formed in 1909 as the Service Aéronautique, a service arm of the "French Army, then was made an independent military arm in 1934. The number of aircraft in service with the French Air Force varies depending on source, however sources from the "French Ministry of Defence give a figure of 658 aircraft in 2014.[4][5] The French Air Force has 241 combat aircraft in service, with the majority being 133 "Dassault Mirage 2000 and 108 "Dassault Rafale. As of early 2017, the French Air Force employs a total of 41,160 regular personnel. The "reserve element of the air force consisted of 5,187 personnel of the Operational Reserve.[6]

French military aviation was born in 1909, accordingly from that fact, France was described as the first country to arm the air with combat aircraft.["citation needed] After voting the law in the French National Assembly on March 29, 1912,[7] French Military Aeronautics became officially part of the "French Army, alongside the four traditional branches of the French Army, the "infantry, "cavalry, "artillery and "engineers.

French aircraft during "World War I, flying over German held territory, 1915.

At the beginning of "First World War, France had a total of 148 planes (8 from "French Naval Aviation (Aéronautique navale) and 15 "Airships. By the time of the armistice in November 1918, 3608 planes were in service.[8] 5,500 "pilots and observers were killed from the 17,300 engaged in the conflict, amounting then to 31% of endured losses[9]

The law of December 8, 1922 established Military Aeronautics as a « special arm »,[10] however, the later remained under the auspicious of the "French Army. It wasn't until July 2, 1934, that the "special arm" became an independent service and was totally independent.

The "Chief of Staff of the French Air Force created the "Patrouille de France on September 14, 1953. Since March 1968, the patrouille was completed by the Aerobatic Team of the French Air Force (EVAA) on an aerial base to constitute the presentation teams of the French Air Force (EPAA) which since then has won numerous victories in the national scale and world competitions. During the last world championship in August 2015, the pilots of EVAA have the won the tile world champions by team and individual champions title.[11]

In the post–"World War II era, the French made a successful effort to develop a domestic aircraft industry. The French Air Force participated in several "colonial wars during the Empire such as "French Indochina after the Second World War. Since 1945, the French Air Force was notably engaged in "Indochina (1945–1954).

Accordingly, on January 1964, the French political leadership reprioritized its military emphasis on "nuclear deterrence, implementing a complete reorganisation of the Air Force, with the creation of four air régions and seven major specialised commands, among which was the "Strategic Air Forces Command ("French: Commandement des forces aérienne stratégiques) (CoFAS).[14] The Mirage demonstrated its abilities in the "Six-Day War, "Yom Kippur War, the "Falklands War, the "Gulf War, becoming one of the most popular jet fighters of its day, with a high quantity of sales. The "Military Air Transport Command had previously been formed in February 1962 from the Specialized Aerial Grouping Units ("French: Groupement d'Unités Aériennes Spécialisées). The "Dassault Mirage IV, the principal French strategic bomber, was designed to strike Soviet positions as part of the French nuclear triad. Also created in 1964 was the Escadron des "Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air (EFCA), seemingly grouping all FCA units.

CFAS had two squadrons of "S-3 IRBMs at the Plateau d'Albion, six squadrons of "Mirage IVAs (at "Mont de Marsan, Cazaux, Orange, Istres, St Dizier, and EB 3/94 at "Luxeuil), and three squadrons of "C-135F, as well as a training/reconnaissance unit, CIFAS 328, at "Bordeaux. The tactical air command included wings EC 3, EC 4, EC 7, EC 11, EC 13, and ER 33, with a total of 19 squadrons of Mirage III, Jaguars, two squadrons flying the "Mirage 5F (EC 2/13 and EC 3/13, both at "Colmar), and a squadron flying the "Mirage F.1CR. CoTAM counted 28 squadrons, of which ten were fixed-wing transport squadrons, and the remainder helicopter and liaison squadrons, at least five of which were overseas. CAFDA numbered 14 squadrons mostly flying the "Mirage F.1C. Two other commands had flying units, the Air Force Schools Command (CEAA), and the Air Force Transmissions Command, with four squadrons and three trials units.

The French Air Force is expanding and replacing aircraft inventory. The French are awaiting the "A400M military transport aircraft, which is still in developmental stages * as of late November 2016,11 A400M had been delivered to ET00.061 at Orleans-Bricy., and the integration of the new "Dassault Rafale multi-role jet fighter, whose first squadron of 20 aircraft became operational in 2006 at "Saint-Dizier.

After a French presence an absence lasting several decades, the French President "Nicolas Sarkozy confirmed that France will rejoin the NATO integrated command.[16] France has also been a lead nation, alongside the "United States, "Great Britain and "Italy in implementing the UN sponsored no-fly zone in Libya (NATO "Odyssey Dawn), deploying 20 fighter aircraft to Benghazi in defense of rebel held positions and the civilian population.[17]

The general staff headquarters of the French Air Force is located, along with the "general staff headquarters of the Armies (EMA) as well as the general staff headquarters of the "Army and "Navy on site "Ballard, more commonly known as the « French Pentagon » or « Balardgone ». The general staff headquarters is composed of some 150 aviators, officers in principal.

The French Air Force has forces spread in three commands: two grand operational commands (CDAOA and CFAS) and one organic command (CFA)). Since September 2013, the former organic commandments CFA and CSFA were merged at the corps of a unique commandment which readopted the designation of CFA:

2 Operational Commands :

Air Defense and Air Operations Command (France) ("French: Commandement de la Défense Aérienne et des Opérations Aériennes (CDAOA)), is responsible for the permanent watch of the national airspace, as well as the follow-up of all aerial operations in progress. This command does not possess aircraft. Instead it exercises operational control over units of the Air Forces Command.

Fighter Brigade – Brigade Aérienne de l'Aviation de Chasse ("French: Brigade Aérienne de l'Aviation de Chasse (BAAC)), is responsible for all conventional aircraft and "fighter within air defense, air-to-ground and reconnaissance missions (including "Rafale, Mirage 2000-5F, Mirage 2000B/C/D, "Transall C-160 Gabriel). In February 2016 it was commanded by Brigadier General (Air) Philippe Lavigne.[20]

Air Force Security and Intervention Forces Brigade (France) ("French: Brigade Aérienne des Forces de Sécurité et d'Intervention (BAFSI)), is responsible for units of the French Air Force's commando riflemen ("Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air, tasked with special operations, "CSAR and target acquisition), amongst which the most elite is the Air Force Parachute Commando n° 10, "C.P.A 10 (, unit of the "French Special Forces. The BAFSI also includes the security units of the air bases (34 squadrons (of company strength) and detachments (of platoon strength)) and the rescue and firefighting personnel (called incident technicians and grouped into squadrons of company size);

These last two brigades belonged until 2013 to the Air Force Support Command (CSFA), which placed at disposition and maintained the arms systems, equipment, information and communication systems (SIC) as well as infrastructures; the CSFA provide accordingly the benefits in relation to support the human element, the military logistics (supply and transport), wherever forces of the French Air Force operated or trained; these two brigades are now subordinated to the CFA.

Since 1 January 2008, the French Air Force is organized at the national echelon and has no longer any territorial commands. Prior, these territorial commands articulated around aerial regions (RA), which were five at origin. The number was then reduced to four by decree of June 30, 1962 with suppression of the 5th Aerial Region ("AFN). The decree of July 14, 1991 brought the number of Aerial Regions (RA) to three: « RA Atlantic », « RA Mediterranean » and « RA North-East ». On July 1, 2000 was placed into effect an organization consisting of « RA North » (RAN) and « RA South » (RAS). The territorial division was abolished by decree n°2007-601 of April 26, 2007[21]· .[22]

From 2008–2010 the French Air Force underwent an organisational streamlining process. This project was called Air 2010, which was the year of the deadline for all transitions. The main targets of this project were to simplify the command structure, to regroup all military and civil air force functions and to rationalise and optimise all air force units. Five major commands, were formed, instead of the former 13, and to disband several commands and units.[23]

The DRH-AA recruits, forms, manages administers and converts personnel of the French Air Force. Since January 2008, the DRH-AA regroups at the corps of attributions the former directorate of military personnel of the French Air Force (DPMMA) and certain attributions of the former commandment of the schools of the French Air Force (CEAA). The directorate is responsible for recruitment at the corps of the French Air Force via the bureau of recruitment.

The use of wings (Escadres) was suspended at the beginning of 1990, but they were reestablished in 2014. The base operational unit is the squadron (escadron), in general commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel. The Escadrille is a subunit of an Escadron.

Commanded by a Lieutenant-colonel or Colonel, the "Escadre is a formation that assembles various units and personnel dedicated to the same mission. The designation of « Escadre » was replaced with that of regiment in 1932 and was designated until 1994, a unit regrouping under unique commandment:

units (escadrons or groups) generally equipped with the same type of aircraft or at least assuring the same type of mission

units of maintenance and support.

Escadres, ("wings) were dissolved from 1993 as part of the Armées 2000 reorganisation, were reestablished in 2014.[24] The problems caused by having the aircraft maintenance units not responsible to the flying squadrons they supported eventually forced the change.

The French Air Force also announced in August 2015 that unit numbering, immatriculation of affected aircraft and the transfer of historic material (flags, traditions and names) would be completed in 2016.[24]

To note that the Escadrons have conserved in their designation the numbering of former Escadres during their suppression in the 1990s. For instance: Transport Escadron 1/64 Béarn ("French: escadron de transport 1/64 Béarn) (more specifically Transport Escadron 01.064 Béarn), which belonged to the 64th Transport Escadre ("French: 64e Escadre de Transport) during the dissolution of the later (recreated on August 2015).

Not all "Escadrons (Squadrons) are necessarily attached to an Escadre; however, each Escadron (Squadron) is attached to the particular respective command.

The Escadrille assures a double administrative and operational function, even of the essential operational control is done at the level of the Esacdron. A pilot is assigned to the Escadrille, however the equipment and material devices, on the other hand, are assigned to the Escadron. Since the putting into effect of the ESTA (Aeronautic Technical Support Escadrons), material devices and the mechanics are assigned directly to the base then put at disposition of the based Escadrons.

The Escadrilles readopted the traditions of the prestigious units out of which most (SPA and SAL),[26] are those traditions of the First World War.

Squadron Protection participate to the protection of aerial bases inside and outside the national territory, and in exterior operations as well.

The CPAs practice today common missions, as well as specialized tasks; these concern intervention and reinforcement of protection at the profit of sensible points « air » inside and outside the national territory. These troops contribute to operations of the French Air Force and Special Operations.

Non navigating units include also mechanics of the French Air Force as well the administrative personnel. Other units also include the Commissioner service of the armies.

The « Air "Commissariat » ("French: « Commissariat de l'Air ») between 1947 and 2007, then « Financial and General Administration Service » ("French: « Service de l'Administration Générale et des Finances » (SAGF)) from 2008 until 2009, and finally the « Commissariat Service of the "Armies » (SCA) ("French: Service du Commissariat des Armées)[29] since 2010, have successively been designated as administrative services of the French Air Force. The "Commissioners as well as Civilians of this service intervene in various designated sectors : operations support, individual legal rights, judicial, internal control accountability, financial and purchase executions, support and protection of the combatant.[30]

"Crotale missile-launchers of the Air Defense Ground-to-Air Squadron of the French Air Force.

Some French air bases house radar units (Lyon, Mont-Verdun, Drachenbronn ("French: Drachenbronn), Cinq-Mars-la-Pile, Nice, Mont-Agel...) destined for the surveillance of the territory ("Air Defense and air traffic control. Others house material warehouses or command posts. In overseas and foreign countries, the bases – which can be temporary – support aircraft and ground capabilities depending on the needs of exterior operations (OpEx) upon which they were created : transport aircraft at "Dushanbe ("Tajikistan, "Operation Héraclès), hunter aircraft ("French: avions de chasse) (fighter jets) in "N'Djamena ("Tchad, "Opération Épervier), for instance.

As swift as the French Air Force operates, the closure of Aerial Bases is more constant and immediate, having known a strong acceleration since the 1950s.

The air base command levels are the combat assets of the ALA. An airbase commander has authority over all units stationed on his base. Depending on the units tasks this means that he is responsible for approximately 600 to 2500 personnel.

Flying activity in France is carried out by a network of bases, platforms and "French air defence radar systems. It is supported by bases, which are supervised and maintained by staff, centres of operations, warehouses, workshops, and schools.

Both in France and abroad, bases have almost similar infrastructure to provide standardised support. This operational mode allows fast and easy creation of air bases outside France.

Overseas, fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters allow quick response to any request for assistance that falls within international agreements. On average, a base platform, made up of about 1500 personnel (nearly 3500 people including family), provides a yearly economic boost to its area of about 60 million euros. Consequently, determining the sites for air bases constitutes a major part of regional planning. [31]

Air Base 118 "Mont-de-Marsan Air Base. Air Base is home to two squadrons "Rafale B and "Rafale C. Home of CEAM, the Air Force military experimentation and trials organisation, Air defence radar command reporting centre, instruction centre for air defence control.

Since the end of the "Algerian War, the percentage of formations of the French Air Force in the comparison with the ensemble of the "Armies corresponded to 17 to 19%.[43] In 1990, at the end of the "Cold War, numbers reached 56,400 military personnel under contract, out of which 36,300 were part of conscription and 5,400 civilians.[44]

In 2008, forecasts for personnel of the French Air Force were expected to number 50,000 out of which 44,000 aviators on the horizon in 2014.

In 2010, the number personnel of the French Air Force was reduced to 51100 men and women (20%) out of which: 13% "officers; 55% "sous-officier; 29% air military technicians (MTA); 3% volunteers of national service and "aspirant volunteers; 6500 civilians (14%). They form several functions:

Air Military Technicians ("French: militaires techniciens de l’air) having been formed until July 1, 2015 at the Center of Elementary Military Formation ("French: « Centre de formation militaire élémentaire ») of the Technical Instruction School of the French Air Force ("French: École d'enseignement technique de l'Armée de l'air) of Saintes. Since July 1, 2015, this formation was assured by Aerial Base 115 Orange-Caritat, within the « Operational Combatant Preparation Center of the French Air Force » ("French: Centre de préparation opérationnelle du combattant de l'Armée de l'air).